Adrenal Insufficiency: 5 Natural Remedies

Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands become impaired and stop producing a sufficient amount of hormones that have important roles in the body. (1)

The hormones produced by the adrenal glands help regulate electrolyte balance, manage fluid retention and body weight, help you sleep, concentrate and perform many other daily activities. Adrenal insufficiency natural remedies can help get your hormones back on track.

The condition is most often the result of autoimmune reactions caused by chronic stress, exposure to environmental toxins, lack of sleep and poor diet. (2)

Adrenal Insufficiency Symptoms

Once a doctor has determined that you suffer from adrenal insufficiency, there are several traditional treatment options they may propose.

Most typically, doctors will recommend hormone replacement therapy.

Doctors will attempt to monitor your medication dosage, increasing it temporarily during times of stress or illness.

The potential severity of adrenal insufficiency makes it imperative that you speak with a medical professional before attempting to change or cease your conventional treatment.

Missing even just one day of your medication can pose serious risks, which is why doctors recommend precautions such as:

Carrying a medical bracelet at all times, which will let people know what care you need in the case of an emergency.

Keeping extra medication on hand at all times.

Carrying an injection kit that contains an emergency dosage of medication.

Keeping up with regular checkups. You doctor may test you periodically for other autoimmune diseases.

With the above in mind, let’s explore some potential natural aids for those with adrenal insufficiency.

Be sure to consult a medical professional before making major changes to your diet.

Remember, it’s always good to get a second or third opinion from someone who has your data in front of them and can speak regarding details specific to your case.

Adrenal Insufficiency Natural Remedies

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

One of the most important parts of adrenal insufficiency treatment is adjusting your diet. Removing processed foods and replacing them with whole foods that replenish your adrenal energy can help get your hormone levels back on track. (3)

There are also foods you can eat to reduce your stress levels. These include:

Avocado

Tea

Swiss chard

Fatty fish

Carrots

Nuts

You may also want to consider using anxiety-relieving essential oils. These include:

Lavender

Lemon

Peppermint

Geranium

Sandalwood

Valerian root

A good way to use essential oils for anxiety relief is in a diffuser. A diffuser will release the essential oil’s scent over time, allowing you to keep the scent active in your living or working area.

If you choose to put essential oil on your skin, be sure to dilute the mixture heavily; applying it directly to your skin can cause burning, especially if you’re applying it to a wound.

3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Adrenal insufficiency natural treatment includes making sleep a priority. Lack of sleep puts extra stress on the body, which increases cortisol levels and reduces your energy. (5) Aim for 8-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to help ensure healthy adrenal glands.

4. Change Your Exercise Routine

Over-exercising and not getting enough sleep can put added strain on the adrenal glands. Changing your exercise routine can work as an adrenal insufficiency natural treatment. Staying active is important, but make sure you’re allowing yourself to rest when you need it. Listen to your body for signs of injury or fatigue.

If exercise is a large part of your life, be sure to mention that when speaking to your doctor about adrenal insufficiency.

Some doctors will recommend keeping your sodium intake fairly high during periods of heavy exercise.

The good news is that exercise does help relieve stress; you’ll just want to manage this benefit with potential side effects.

5. Try Helpful Supplements

Supplements that work as adrenal insufficiency natural remedies include:

Adaptogen Herbs – Ashwagandha and holy basil help the body deal with stress

Lindsey Shaffer is a writer and editor for DavidWolfe.com and holds a B.A. in Professional Writing and Editing. She is a health and fitness enthusiast and a world traveler with a love of coffee and a passion for adventure.